Insane, he was. He was going insane over a pretty little blonde thing with grey eyes. What other explanation was there for the fact that he had tried on four different outfit options before being ready to call her and ask that she join him for dinner tonight? It had to be tonight so that they could speak before he left.

After speaking with investors in Paris, he would go to London, then Athens, etc. And so they would have to meet immediately to go over the details of the project.

Little miracles.

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Insane, she was. She was going insane over a gorgeous, dark-haired man with sea-green eyes that she could just fall into. What other explanation was there for the fact that she had nearly melted with relief when he called to schedule their meeting? It was almost 5 o'clock at night and she was still in her work clothes, so she scrambled to the shower, and promised him she'd be at his door before 7.

When she emerged from the shower, she skimmed her closet and removed a gorgeous LBD from two years ago. It must still fit her. But, while this dress was definitely flattering, it was certainly not something a person wore to a business meeting, especially since it required tiny lingerie to prevent panty lines.

She smiled to herself. Well…

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He thought it was better to go casual this evening as he stared at his reflection. He was wearing dark jeans and a blue T-shirt that hugged his muscles very, very nicely if he said so himself. He checked the oven and then moved to the dining room where he had set two places, one at the head of the table, the other just to the right of it, and lit the candles in the middle of the table. He switched on the radio and smiled.

He dared Miss Chase to resist him tonight.

He grinned when the doorbell rang and had to stop from sprinting to the door. Why in the world was he so excited to see this girl?

When he opened the door, his grin grew.

Business dinner, my foot.

She was wearing a black dress—strapless—that accented every curve and only went down to the middle of her thigh. Her hair was twisted up elegantly and her eyes were accented by smoky makeup. Her lips were a brilliant shade of red.

"Wow, Annabeth. You look… Wow."

"Thanks," she said, smiling softly. He invited her in, offered her a glass of wine, which she graciously accepted.

"So, I met with my father," he told her as he led her towards the dining room.

"Oh?"

"And basically, everything we discussed sounds good. We'll have to arrange a few more meeting when I get back, but otherwise—"

"When you get back?"

He nodded. "I'm going to Paris tomorrow afternoon."

She arched an eyebrow. "Oh."

"I'll be gone for a month."

She frowned. "Percy—"

He put a finger to her lips and smiled at her before running his eyes over her. "You certainly dressed up for this occasion," he muttered, trying to change the subject.

She pushed his hand away and stared up at him. "A month, Percy?"

"It'll go by like no time at all," he said, pulling her close. He kissed her once, softly. "I promise. Besides, you have no obligation to worry about me or miss me."

"Really?"

He nodded and took a sip of his wine. "Only girlfriends have to do that."

"Quite right," she agreed, trying to hide her smirk as she caught onto his game.

"And we're not dating, are we?"

"Oh, no, of course not. I don't date clients."

He sighed and opened his mouth to argue with her instinctually, but caught himself before he did. "I suppose that's a good rule. Getting involved with people you work with doesn't work out so well sometimes."

"Exactly." She stepped out of his embrace and took a nonchalant sip of her wine.

"But suppose I were to make the argument that I'm not your client…"

"Yes?"

"And suppose that I'd quite like it if you were to miss me while I was gone…"

"Uh huh?"

He smirked. "You're gonna make me say it, aren't you?"

"Oh, yeah."

"How'd you like to be my girlfriend?"

"Why am I flashing back to 9th grade?" she teased. When he opened his mouth to respond, no doubt with some rude remark, she rose on her tiptoes and silenced him with a long kiss. When they broke apart, she whispered, "Yes."

"Good. I'd hate to think you kiss all of your business partners like this."

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After dinner, they remained at the table, talking. After about twenty minutes of the conversation, though, Percy leaned in and kissed her again, unable to control his desire as he watched her beautiful lips move.

"Would it be too forward of me to ask if you'd like to see the rest of my loft?"

Annabeth hesitated. Percy met gaze. "You're leaving in the morning, aren't you?" she asked.

He nodded.

"So perhaps it's best if I don't spend the night tonight."

He smirked. "I wasn't asking if you'd like to go to bed with me, Annabeth. I was thinking more along the lines of the entertainment room. I picked out a few films."

With new color to her cheeks, she nodded and he showed her to the room before sitting on the couch.

It was halfway through the film when he looked down at her and felt a pang of fear grab at his insides. He was falling for her. Hard.

A/N: Two chapters in a night? What? I'm on fire! Not literally, of course. Anyway, thanks for reading, please review.

Love,

E. M. Zeray